A Kelowna, B.C., Christian musician has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 16-year-old unsolved murder of a local teen.

The body of 19-year-old Jennifer Cusworth was found dumped in a ditch in 1993.

Mounties announced Neil George Snelson, 43, was charged with first-degree murder Monday.

Const. Steve Holmes of the Kelowna RCMP says Snelson and Cusworth had both attended a large late night house party the night she was murdered. Holmes confirms new DNA evidence provided a break in the cold case.

"DNA was but one component in a myriad of facts and evidence that led to the identification and the arrest of Mr. Snelson."

Snelson, who is married with four children, has no criminal record.

He is a Christian musician, who is actively involved in the First Lutheran Church in Kelowna. Calls from CTV News to the head pastor were unreturned.

One church member told CTV British Columbia said she was "shocked" by the charges against her fellow parishioner.

Wade Jenson, Snelson's lawyer, says his client is also taken aback.

"As anyone would be in his situation, he's distressed and perplexed by the situation he finds himself in," he said.

"We're all anxious to see what this is all about," he said.

Snelson has yet to enter a plea. His next court appearance is November 16th.

A long road

At a press conference Oct. 15, the lead investigator in the Cusworth case announced new DNA science had given them a possible break. Investigators had gathered over 230 DNA samples since her death. Ten people refused to give a sample.

The cause of Cusworth's death has never been released.

Jean Cusworth, Jennifer's mother, told CTV News she was encouraged by the news.

"We've always believed this case will be solved."

Cusworth and her husband Terry return to the spot where their daughter's body was found every year. They say they will keep visiting even if the case is solved.

"It's with us now for the rest of our life," Terry Cusworth said.

"I'll be coming down here with a wheelchair with my carnations. It will still be done even after the killer is caught."

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Kent Molgat